The Olympic Games should be the main focus for Mexico's under-23 stars this summer rather than Copa America Centenario, said Mexico Olympic team coach Raul Gutierrez.
Gutierrez reiterated his opinion in the face of the national debate as to whether players like Pachuca trio Hirving Lozano, Rodolfo Pizarro and Erick Gutierrez should get the June Copa America call-up and risk injury with just one month to rest before the Rio de Janeiro tournament in August.
"Because of their age, the answer is simple," Gutierrez told ESPN Deportes. "Olympics should be the main focus for the national team players who are under the age of 23."
The 49-year-old said he will be discussing the matter with senior national team coach Juan Carlos Osorio, but added that "playing in the Olympics because that is your age group is important."
Mexico are defending the Olympic gold they won in London in 2012.
Gutierrez added that Osorio "is aware of what I am saying. We have to discuss it before a decision is made. I am always grateful for the support and we must take certain factors into account, because players get injured if they play too many matches.
"We must analyse each situation and then we will make the best decision."
Including Mexico's recent back-to-back wins over Canada last month in 2018 World Cup qualifying, six of Mexico's past nine goals have been scored by a player 23 or younger. Osorio has said that adding young players to the senior team foments internal competition and ultimately improves El Tri.
The Olympic team coach was headed to Brazil this week for the tournament draw, but added that he already knows which three choices he favours as his overage players.
"We are going to wait until league play is over to discuss the circumstances with each club and then we will determine who the [overage] players will be," Gutierrez said. "I have a clear idea of the names but I am not going to say. There are players with incredible careers but it will depend upon their clubs."
Because the Olympics are not an official FIFA senior tournament, clubs are not obligated to release their players to participate.